Korean Folktales & World Folktales

Korean Folktale : The Tale of Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok

ktell 2025. 10. 12. 11:42

🌸 Korean Folktale Series 17

“The Tale of Wonhyo and Princess Yoseok”

(원효와 요석공주 · Wonhyo-wa Yoseokgongju)


🕰️ 1. The Story

During the Silla Kingdom, there lived a great Buddhist monk named Wonhyo, known for his wisdom and enlightenment. One day, while staying at the royal palace in Gyeongju, he met Princess Yoseok, the daughter of King Muyeol.

The princess, admired for her grace and intelligence, had long lived a lonely life confined within palace walls. When she heard Wonhyo’s lectures on compassion and awakening, she was deeply moved by his words. Despite his monastic vows, their hearts gradually drew close, bound by a quiet yet profound understanding.

 

Wonhyo, aware of worldly attachments, tried to suppress his growing feelings. Yet he realized that enlightenment was not about denying human emotions but understanding them. In an extraordinary decision, he left the temple life behind for a time and embraced love—not as desire, but as compassion.

 

From their union, a son named Seolchong was born. He would later become one of Korea’s greatest scholars, spreading wisdom and ethics across the Silla Kingdom. After fulfilling his role as a father, Wonhyo returned to his spiritual path, wandering across the land to teach that true enlightenment is found not only in temples, but in every human heart.

Their story has lived on for centuries as a symbol of love that transcends duty, faith that embraces humanity, and wisdom that blossoms through understanding rather than renunciation.


🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

  • True enlightenment accepts both the spiritual and the human sides of life.
  • Love guided by compassion can lead to greater wisdom.
  • Harmony between faith and emotion reveals the fullness of being human.

👀 3. Reflections in Life

  • We grow wiser when we do not reject our feelings, but learn from them.
  • Spiritual growth often begins with understanding love, pain, and forgiveness.
  • The balance between heart and mind is the essence of peace.

🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

  •  India — The Story of Buddha and Yashodhara
    The Buddha’s early life with his wife Yashodhara reflects the tension between love and enlightenment.
  •  China — The Legend of Xuanzang
    A monk’s journey to seek truth mirrors Wonhyo’s spiritual quest for compassion beyond borders.
  •  Japan — The Tale of the Priest and the Moon Princess
    A priest torn between devotion and love finds transcendence through understanding impermanence.

💬 A Warm Saying

“True wisdom is not found in escape from life, but in embracing it with compassion.”


📌 Note

This is creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission. Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.